A suspect in the Simi Valley Walmart stabbing plowed into a group of teenagers Tuesday afternoon near Westlake High School, killing one person.
The crash was reported just before 2:40 p.m. on Lakeview Canyon Road in Thousand Oaks and involved a vehicle that police believe was used by the suspect.
Sheriff officials said the vehicle hit a group of children, including a 15-year-old boy and two girls aged 16 and 15. Officials said the 15-year-old boy died at a local hospital.
Officials said the unidentified driver was detained at the scene, then taken to hospital.
A white sedan sits on the roof on the road, expected to be closed for several hours.
According to police, the collision occurred after the suspect was believed to be involved in a stabbing incident in Simi Valley and a family incident in Camarillo.
On Tuesday afternoon, Simi Valley police were called to a Walmart at 250 Cochran Street after a customer allegedly stabbed an employee inside the store and fled the scene in a white Toyota Camry, city police said.
The employee was taken to the hospital in an unknown condition.
The suspect then traveled to Camarillo and engaged in an argument with family members without causing injury before driving to Thousand Oaks, sheriff officials said.
Erik Bergh, a Westlake High School student who witnessed the collision, said: “I was walking with friends and I thought I was back at that moment and right after that, I think I heard a very loud hiss, higher. told ABC7. “It sounded like cars on the sidewalk, then I heard people screaming and running away, then I turned around and just saw this big car coming towards me and flying debris. everywhere.”
It is not known what happened leading up to the accident or whether it was intentional.
“During this time of unimaginable loss, our thoughts and prayers remain with these students, their families, friends, and the entire Warrior community,” said Superintendent of Schools. Conjeo Valley Unified School District. Mark McLaughlin said in a statement to parents.
“We, as a close-knit school community and school district, appreciate your continued support and concern for each other now and always,” McLaughlin said. So.
McLaughlin said mental health counselors will be available at facilities across the district on Wednesday for students, staff and families.
Ventura County sheriff officials said the motive for the Walmart stabbing is also unclear.
“The incident involved a customer stabbing an employee in the store. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. Witnesses provided information about the suspect’s vehicle, described as a white Toyota Camry, with its front bumper missing. Witnesses also provided the license plate of the suspicious vehicle,” officials said in a statement. “The victim of the stabbing, who suffered at least one stab wound, was transported to a local trauma center for treatment.”
